Our Approach at Society Design rests on three pillars:

• The avatar 'Mr. Wolf'
• New Babylon by Constant Nieuwenhuys
• 'Homo Ludens' by Johan Huizinga

Methodology

Society Design overlays the connecting network of New Babylon over areas where current issues have an impact, such as neighborhoods, districts, or organizations.

In Society Design's New Babylon, an imaginary figure, an avatar, takes the lead: 'Mr. Wolf.' He is a troubleshooter and interim cultural manager actively involved in neighborhoods, the cultural sector, and sustainability. He collaborates and co-creates with others to find solutions, translating his goals clearly into understandable language for everyone while understanding his position in the field. Moreover, he is well-versed in his industry, maintaining contact with colleagues, stakeholders, and potential contacts.

Mr. Wolf takes two actions:

A. Troubleshooter

• Proactively identifies bottlenecks and addresses issues.
• His expertise and portfolio make him a sought-after problem solver.
• During crises, Mr. Wolf creates possibilities.

B. Inspirer
He assists other creatives in expanding their societal role.

How does Society Design Work?

On a macro level

Society Design, akin to the role of an artist in the 21st century, aims for a constructive engagement in society, with creativity as its most potent tool. We strive for sustainable solutions by collaborating and creating with organizations and individuals.

On a meso level

Everything flows. Society Design enters a region or municipality, with or without an official mandate, to evaluate the situation. We overlay the structure of New Babylon by Constant Nieuwenhuys onto a neighborhood, organization, or situation and identify the residents (stakeholders, problem owners, etc.). We involve them as 'New Babylonians.' We engage with all organizations in the neighborhood, identify target groups, conduct research, and interview people. We investigate existing systems, identify bottlenecks, and necessary changes. We analyze relationships and collaborations between stakeholders and the public. Where are the problems and hindrances? We focus on what doesn't work well, what causes disruptions, and how it influences the system. Essentially, Society Design is like a plumber unclogging blocked pipes (connections between stakeholders) and opening new directions by creating new connections. This ensures a smoother flow within the system, whether temporary or permanent. We unclog existing connections or create new ones to improve flow.

On a micro level

Together with all 'New Babylonians,' Society Design co-creates through Design Thinking. We explore how life can restart, whether temporarily or permanently, depending on the situation or the problem. Creating a sounding board is crucial; everyone becomes the playing individuals of New Babylon. Through this play, unexpected insights and solutions emerge.


At Society Design, there's always 'toys,' such as a (conceptual) artwork, a game, an idea, or a platform. This functions as a Gesamtkunstwerk (total artwork). Creating a prototype is the next step in the creative process. This is tested, collectively developed, and implemented.

Aesthetics and Impact

The visual component at Society Design is paramount. We use aesthetics to influence the behavior of individuals and organizations positively. A well-crafted visual narrative can bridge divides and stimulate collaboration. Therefore, we employ various media such as visual arts, digital media, and interactive installations.

Through our work, we aim for an emotional impact, eliciting engagement and participation from the audience. We communicate complex ideas in a clear and visually appealing manner, encouraging dialogue and action.

Our goal is to create memorable experiences that provoke thought and inspire change. We intertwine creativity with functionality, ensuring that our visual elements serve not only an aesthetic purpose but also a functional one in solving societal issues.